The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

Badgerland Financial closed its 2016 fiscal year with good earnings, a strong portfolio and solid capital position, resulting in the cooperative’s Board of Directors declaring $15.2 million in cash patronage dividends be returned to nearly 7,000 patronage-eligible member-borrowers.

“The patronage program is one of the many benefits of working with our cooperative and a knowledgeable team. Together we navigate both the good and challenging agronomic times, and together we share in the success,” said Diane Cole, CEO. “Our members know that we are committed to serving Wisconsin agriculture and the rural communities we call home. No other lender is better at financing agriculture or giving back to it.”

In the last 13 years, Badgerland Financial has returned more than $126 million to its patronage-eligible member-borrowers to reinvest into their farms and businesses, directly impacting local and state economies.

Badgerland Financial, headquartered in Prairie du Sac, Wis., is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of agriculture and rural America. Badgerland Financial is one of the region’s leading providers of credit, crop insurance, tax and accounting services to farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents. The company is committed to delivering on its vision to cultivate prosperity for agriculture and rural Wisconsin by serving member-owners through offices in 33 southern Wisconsin counties. To learn more, visit badgerlandfinancial.com.

On July 1, pending final regulatory approval, Badgerland Financial will join 1st Farm Credit Services and AgStar Financial Services in becoming Compeer Financial, strengthening our commitment to the agricultural community. By combining resources, knowledge and expertise, Compeer Financial will champion the hopes and dreams of rural America like never before.